Empyema thoracis from an inhaled peanut. (31st March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Linehan, Laura; Hinchion, John; O'Connor, Terence M
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-03-31
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-203579
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 77-year-old man with a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis was referred with persistent cough and reduced air entry on auscultation of the right lung base. He was an ex-smoker with a 40-pack-year history and his general practitioner was concerned about the possibility of bronchogenic carcinoma. A chest radiograph showed a right-sided pleural effusion with right mid-zone airspace opacification. Bronchoscopy revealed a peanut covered in mucus lodged in the right lower lobe bronchus. CT of the thorax demonstrated a multiloculated right pleural effusion with associated compressive atelectasis, consistent with chronic empyema. A chest drain was inserted but failed to fully clear the collection and the patient proceeded to a thoracoscopic decortication of a pleural empyema secondary to the right lower lobe obstruction from an inhaled peanut. His postoperative recovery was uncomplicated.